We will be flying into Pisa and renting a car for 7 nights. 2 adults and a 7 year old. Would like to minimize time driving as much as possible (no more than 3 hours per day) We would like to take in the most scenic, atmospheric towns and scenic drives. While we would love to see Florence we are happy to add this to a future trip and focus on more of the laid back and quieter towns and villages for exploring. The towns we thought of including but open to adjustments are; Lucca, quick visit to see the leaning tower in Pisa for out little one, Volterra, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Pienza, Montelcino, and Siena. We were thinking of 3 nights in one location and 4 in another but open to suggestions and would really appreciate the best locations to look to base ourselves to minimize driving times over the week. Thank you so much in advance.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7235 posts
Welcome!
Assuming you are returning car in Pisa and flying home from there?
I'd pick 2 locations- 1 north, 1 south.
You will want to be close to Pisa the night before your departure so maybe Lucca and Pienza or Montepulciano.
I'd head to your southern location first so you end closer to Pisa. We actually really enjoyed our 1 night stay in Pisa- the tower and other buildings lit up at night was so beautiful so if you need to be even closer to Pisa for departure that would be ok IMO. You could probably drop car in Lucca and train to Pisa.
From Lucca it's about 1.5 hours to SG and Volterra, Siena is about 1.5 as well.
Pienza is super easy to drive in and out of, Montepulciano not so much. Lots of beautiful drives and villages in that area. Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico, Monticchiello in addition to those you've listed.
We were there last May and drove from Pienza to Lucca scenic route took about 3.5 hours
Autostrada is faster but you could take scenic route and stop in SG, Volterra or Siena
All drivers must have an IDP - International Driving Permit that you get at your local AAA.
Be sure to read up on driving in Italy- ZTLs, speed cameras, parking, etc.
Posted by
11611 posts
We have spent a lot of time in the Chianti villages between Siena and Florence. They are along the historic Chiantigiana, SR 222. Castellina, Radda, Gaiole, Greve, and Panzano are some of them.
Don’t stay in San Gimignano as it will be taken over by bus loads of tourists daily. Lucca is lovely but so far west that it limits easy day tripping. Volterra is interesting but near other towns.
Siena is wonderful. Pienza too. So many choices! You could do a day trip into Florence which we did with our kids.